Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lashed out at the Congress party for not taking care of the tribal population in the country, and reminded that it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee government who had set up resources for the tribals and set up a ministry to look after them.
"Did Congress ever remember the tribals? Congress has never cared for the tribal population of this country. It was Atal Bihari Vajpayee who set up resources for the tribals. He set up a ministry to look after them. We too have set aside funds for their development," Prime Minister Modi said here at an election rally.
Further attacking the Congress, Prime Minister Modi asked, "Congress leaders ask, what Modi did in the last 60 years. I ask them what they did in the last 60 years?"
"I was not born in the house of Prime Minister or Chief Minister. I was born in a normal family and was brought up among you. That is why I am answerable to you. Public is my high command. Those asking me for an account never remembers the poor daughters, fishermen and those locked up outside. We worked towards securing the safe release of our Kerala daughters from Iraq," he further added.
He also talked about his government's mission to provide homes for every family in the country by 2022.
Reaching out to the fishermen community, Prime Minister Modi highlighted about his government's efforts to ensure release of fishermen languishing in jails from Pakistan.
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"I was born in Gujarat. The coastal area of Gujarat and your connection is very old. The fishermen here come to that side to catch fish and go all the way till Pakistan border. The fishermen in Palghar and Gujarat are victimised by Pakistan. I even picked up this issue with the Pakistani Prime Minister," he said.
" The fishermen of Palghar share a special bond with Gujarat. I told the Pakistan Prime Minister that you not only imprison the fishermen but also take their boats. First time in ten years, Pakistan released over 50 boats," he added.
The election for 288 member Maharashtra state assembly is scheduled to be held on October 15, with the counting of the votes scheduled for October 19.